What Is the Purpose of Life?

by Elizabeth Clayton Lee

“I don’t know. I try not to think about it because it scares me.”

This was how a friend in college answered when I asked what he thought was his purpose in life.

Have you ever wondered if there’s a reason you’re here? If you’re made for something more than just getting through each day? The thought of a grand design may seem daunting, but what if you found something that brings real fulfillment to your life?

I believe that God has a purpose for each one of us. You may not believe in God, so this may be a hypothetical exercise for you, but take a few minutes and think about these questions:

If God is real, would that make a difference in your life?
Do you think it’s possible that God has a greater purpose for your life?
Do you think God cares about you personally?
If God is real, would you want to have a relationship with Him?

Purpose is a big deal for me because it’s what’s kept me going when everything else was falling apart.

During my sophomore year of college, I had severe clinical depression. If you haven’t been depressed, you should know that one of the worst parts is that it takes away your ability to feel hope. Imagine your mind, emotions and everything within you screaming that nothing will ever be good again.

I got to the point where I thought, What if every day for the rest of my life feels like this?

Thankfully, I remembered that even if I’m a huge mess and not able to do anything with my life, God still loves me and still has a purpose for me.

I decided that, in spite of the pain, life was still worth it because God loves me, empathizes with me, promises to never leave me nor forsake me, and He created me with purpose (Ephesians 2:4-10).

Saying a relationship with God has made a big difference in my life is an understatement, because without God, I might not have a life.

God has a purpose for you too. One purpose is to love and help others. But even if we aren’t capable of doing anything, the greatest purpose He has for each of us is to be in a relationship with Him.

God wants to have a personal relationship with you, but He won’t force His way into your life. You need to invite Him in. Read more about how to know God personally.

Since 1951, Cru has helped individuals who grapple with integrating faith into daily life by offering practical steps and community support. As a result, countless people in over 190 countries have been empowered to move from passive belief to active faith.

About Us